The petite thread: for the short (of whatever size, shape or taste)

[popularinthe80s]

@lougirl
@Sooverthemill
@TooMinty
@peachypetite
@peachypips
@Tinkerpony
@NearWildHeaven
@rk47
And anyone else who fits under the pencil mark on the wall, all welcome.
Share your petite finds, disappointments and tips here.
This is where the petite party started: www.mumsnet.com/Talk/style_and_beauty/4041075-long-cardigan-for-short-person?pg=1

@IceniWarrior

I have a batwing jumper from there but think it looks too big. I find their tops large in size. Biker jeans good.

Oh that's disappointing about the tops. I don't really need any more jeans, have 2 pairs of Topshop Jamies on the go and a pair from Superdry. And some from Gap I hardly wear...

I am the shortest on the thread though so it may fit you!

May I recommend the crop cardigans from Brora if you are short waisted. Most other cardigans end up hitting me too low on the hips rather than nipping me in at the waist. Nice with a a pencil skirt.

How tall are you @IceniWarrior? I'm 5', size 6-8, shoes 3. I often find it's shoulder width or arm length that makes things look big on me. I am currently wearing Fatface dungarees (with 3 times turn up) and a Fatface jumper (same turn up on sleeves). But jumper is always off on shoulder or the other.

Hello! I have found my people! I have never met anyone in the UK that has heard of Ann Taylor or LOFT and I have a wardrobe full of it! I used to travel to the US a lot and take an empty suitcase with me. Post DC loads of it doesn't fit me and I've never dared order from the US as I'm sure I'll get the sizing wrong and end up with a load of stuff that doesn't fit. I have never found an equivalent in the UK but there's loads of ideas here so thank you! I'm 5ft1 and 10-12.

May I join in? 5’3” and about a size 8/10 depending on brand, size 5 shoe which makes getting bargainous footwear really hard work. The weirdest thing is, I’ve found it easier to get clothes that fit in the last ten years or so. Could be the brands I like have changed? I’m short legged so trousers can be a difficult. I find Oska great in that their 7/8 length is perfect for me (though it’s an expensive brand - eBay’s your friend here). Otherwise, someone mentioned Brora cropped cardigans and I’d agree (no idea how a taller lass would avoid looking like it’d shrunk).

I think Hobbs do a petite Tilda coat now. If you get the winter version it's a high wool content ( my ancient one was). You need to wait for a discount but the quality in my old one ( 2005) was great. I've struggled to replace it with anything as good. All Hobbs petite is good but it is expensive

I got the Hobbs petite rain mac last year after recommendations on S&B, 'tis lovely! I struggle with coats. Im in the market for a new will one this year but not sure if I like any of the Hobbs or Boden petite options. Im also struggling to wear face masks for extended periods, so feel like I need a short list to go to the shops to try on quickly, rather than browsing for half a day round a shopping centre. Its just so hard shopping online not knowing where they'll hit on waist/leg etc. (And always rule out anything with sleeve detail as they will need to be shortened to avoid that "year 7 in a blazer their mum said they'd grow into" look)

Hi, I'm 5" 2 & a size 12. Most of my petite stuff is from Dorothy Perkins or Debenhams. Thanks for starting the thread!

I’m pregnant at the moment but pret pregnancy I got some good shorter length jeans from M&S of all places. Actually really rate their jeans. River island Molly jeans in petite are good too.

4'9! The XS jumpers from Mint Velvet drown me.

Now I ordered Tilta coat from Hobbs last year and it was massive. Trying to think if petite or regular. I'll take a look. I do find Next Brands and click teenager ages, some reasonable stuff.

Hello, can I join you? I'm looking for a wardrobe overhaul. 5"2' and size 10/12.

Hello! Great idea for a thread. I’m 5’ 2” and a size 10-12. Currently trying to lose weight and failing miserably. Shoe size is usually a 4.

Hi everyone, setting up this thread feels like the most useful thing I have done for months:-)
@arofan re UK alternatives to Loft - I don't know, sorry. I think @Justtryingtobehelpful suggested it - would you have any ideas, @just?

It's also about time I shared a tip. For fellow parka-seekers - in the end, I got one of these in a size xxs - gorgeous deep red colour.
If you're short but a larger size, these still might work - the cut seems to be shorter in arms and shoulders
www.trespass.com/faithful-womens-parka-jacket#color_code=Merlot

Brilliant! Thanks for thread

5'3, curvy size 10 with a long torso, short legs and arms!

Finding clothes is a bugger because I don't really need petite length on top but I definitely do for sleeves

I've got big hips and chunky runners thighs so leggings look terrible. I live in jeans! Next petite are my absolute go to for jeans as they nearly always fit.

I'm so bored of years of wearing jeans and am now late 40s so I would love to pick up some petite style inspiration here!

Oasis shift dresses. I’m gutted the shops are gone

Can I mention a brand that definitely doesn't work for petites? Toast. Absolutely massive for everything, it's designed for giants.

Boden can be pretty useful for dresses with their petite range, quality is decent for the price, if you use their discount code, never buy full price.

I buy Toast dresses and they work for me as maxi dresses. Sometimes I get them altered to a more midi length. I am on the cusp of petite and normal sizes though at 5’3 and I have relatively long legs and arms.

Btw Toast is fitted to a height of 5’6 but the models they use are much taller.

@AuldFox

I buy Toast dresses and they work for me as maxi dresses. Sometimes I get them altered to a more midi length. I am on the cusp of petite and normal sizes though at 5’3 and I have relatively long legs and arms.

You're lucky! Nothing works for me even though I love their style. Problem is even at their smallest size their clothes just drown me. I just give up after a few purchases.

Just wanted to contribute as I'm forever on the hunt for good quality clothes that fit well.

For reference I'm 5ft1, 45kg, 32a.

Hobbs is disappointing. I was so happy when I discovered that they had a petite range and bought one of the wool camel coats in size 6. The fit was just off, the proportions were all wrong. I think it may have been better for someone who was 5ft4 or 5 with longer arms. Anyway, tried again with the trench. Nope. I don't think they can call their stuff petite, it's not!?

J Crew I love, I have several of their coats although the quality isn't as great as a few years ago, but the fit is spot on. The 00P coats fit me like a glove. Their trousers are also absolutely the perfect fit. So I really, really recommend J Crew for clothes that look like they're tailored to your body.

Everlane - Really quite good despite not having a petite line. I've probably made 10 orders in the past year, returned very few things. Some of their trousers come in ankle length and fit me well in every way and don't just look like tall people's cropped trousers. The tops are petite friendly. Jackets not quite the most perfect fit though.

Boden - I think I've tried several of their trousers, most recently the corduroy ones. None of them fit me. The waist is absolutely massive, weirdly so relative to the legs. Cropped cardigans are not bad.

Just recently been getting into Sezane - They do a size 2 in shoes which is brilliant. Bought a pair of boots recently and was very pleased with the quality. Just bought a couple of sweaters in size XS, will report back. But I've tried on one fo their blouses - The Ann blouse in size 6, it was massive and in no way petite friendly unless you roll up sleeves and tuck it in. Also why do the models have every single top tucked in??!! I want to see the hem, Sezane!

Cos - Hit and miss. I had a lovely wool jumper from there many years ago and it actually fit me. The t-shirts also fit me but other things are probably better for taller people. Bodysuits are too long.

Just bought a jumper from Toast and now I'm worried it will be too big...

I'm 5ft2" and a size 12 or 14.

For leisurewear I've recently been buying Uniqlo joggers - they fit great length wise and I wear a M. I have a pair of their cropped joggers which are just above the ankle, non-cropped ones hit on the ankle for me.

Actually I would really recommend Uniqlo overall - it might be that it's designed for an East Asian fit, but I find their fit really suits me. And online, the sizes range from XXS to XXL I think (much more than in store).

I'm loathed to recommend Sweaty Betty leggings because I think it's extortionately expensive, but their power leggings in 7/8 length are a good fit. Again I'm in a M for ref.

I've also tried on a couple of Asos petite joggers over the summer but they were very thick (so good for autumn/winter now?) and I found them too bulky and unflattering.

Winter coats can be a pain, I'm forever on the look out for a wool navy pea coat that fits well.

Usually I just resign myself to wearing everything longer than intended (mid thigh is knee length on me, midis are maxis etc.) Although I have found a good seamstress for alterations, pricey but the only way to make certain things fit. Sigh.

Thanks for the thread @popularinthe80s, great to read tips from fellow shorties :)

I'm 5ft and curvy. Currently size 12-14 and back to calorie counting in an attempt to lose the lockdown, middle aged spread. I have found Sweatybetty joggers in short and leggings 7/8 to be a good length, although pricey. My inside leg is about 27".
I'm also busty 30FF and this time of year wearing baggy jumpers to keep warm I end up looking like a little barrel, it's very frustrating.

Face masks are a pain for the short!

42 and trying to buy a Red Bull after exercise class today, the store person came up behind me, removed them from the checkout and cancelled them on the screen without even looking at me properly or asking for ID. It was a 'No, No, you can't have these'.